MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Authorities in Alabama are seeking FBI involvement to investigate potential civil rights infringements following the arrest of two detention officers accused of sexually assaulting minors at a youth detention center, as announced on Monday.

One of the officers, aged 32, faces a charge of sexual abuse involving a 14-year-old who was housed in the Montgomery County Youth Detention facility back in December, according to Wesley Richerson, assistant chief deputy at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department. The second officer, who had been employed at the facility for five years before his arrest, is facing seven charges of first-degree sodomy linked to multiple alleged assaults on another 14-year-old between mid-October and late November, Richerson stated.

“This situation is incredibly troubling, and to be frank, I am deeply shocked by the evidence that has come to light in this case,” Richerson expressed.

The facility’s director alerted the sheriff’s department about the potential abuse on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of one of the suspects on that same day, while the second officer was taken into custody the following Friday.

As it stands, there are no attorneys listed for either of the detained officers. The FBI has not yet provided a response regarding the confirmation of the investigation. Richerson also mentioned that neither officer is currently serving at the Montgomery County Youth Detention Facility. One suspect has been released on bail, while the other remains in custody at the Montgomery County jail.